Promotional philosophy for a video-on-demand-related interactive display within an interactive television application

0001This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/898,002, filed Jul. 22, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/607,208, filed Jun. 28, 2000, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/141,575 filed Jun. 29, 1999. All of these prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002This invention relates to television application systems, and more particularly, to interactive television application systems such as interactive television program guide systems that provide indicators of video-on-demand offerings.

0003Interactive television program guides are typically implemented on set-top boxes connected to televisions. Such program guides may be used to present screens of interactive television program listings to users. Video-on-demand systems allow users to order videos for immediate delivery to the home over a cable or other suitable path.

0004It is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive display indicators for video-on-demand offerings using a promotional selection algorithm such as a promotional philosophy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0005This and other objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing an interactive display of indicators, such as promotions or listings, for video-on-demand offerings to a user based on a promotional selection algorithm as described, for example, in McCoy et al. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/141,575, filed Jun. 29, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The promotional selection algorithm according to which promotions or listings are displayed may be based on, for example, a promotional philosophy. If desired, the indicators may be presented in a passive display within an otherwise interactive application.

0006Generally, promotional philosophies are promotional event selection algorithms. A particular promotional philosophy may be designed to attempt to maximize returns from content such as promotions or advertisements by positioning certain types of promotions and advertisements at particular times of the day to reach certain types of television viewers. Promotional material distribution systems in which promotional philosophies are used to distribute promotions are described, for example, in Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Systems in which users are “targeted” for specific advertisements are described, for example, in Reynolds et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/217,100, filed Dec. 16, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0007An interactive application presents an interactive display containing indicators of video-on-demand offerings (e.g., on demand movies, television programs, video clips, or any other suitable type of programming). The interactive application may be any suitable application, such as interactive television program guide, web browser, or other application. The offerings are displayed according to a particular promotional selection algorithm designed to have indicators presented so as to attempt to maximize, for example, the return on or the viewer rate of video-on-demand programs. Promotional selection algorithms may also be designed to have indicators selected so that any other suitable paradigm for the display of indicators is met. For example, it may be undesirable to have certain programs indicated at a certain time of day (e.g., adult programs), or it may be desirable to have some programs indicated more often based on upcoming holidays or events.

0008The display may include, for example, a series of buttons or other selectable on-screen display elements that contain listings for video-on-demand programs. The interactive display may include, for example, a browse display that provides a user with an opportunity to browse video-on-demand program listings while watching a television program. The interactive display may include, for example, a screening room within which users may view trailers or clips of video-on-demand offerings. Systems in which video-on-demand listings are displayed in a browse display are described, for example, in Ellis U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/262,870, filed Mar. 4, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any other suitable approach for the display indicators of video-on-demand offerings.

0009The interactive application may obtain application data and data that define the promotional selection algorithm using any suitable approach. The application may, for example, obtain data continuously, periodically, on-demand or using any other suitable approach. The interactive application may also receive templates that define a desired promotional selection algorithm such as a promotional philosophy.

0010The promotional philosophy may be designed to include promotions or programs in the interactive application based on and suitable criteria. The promotional philosophy may be based on, for example, the availability of a video-on-demand offering or the availability a promotion for such an offering (e.g., when sent by satellite via Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), or a videodisc in a player). The promotional philosophy may be defined to cause the selection of promotions or programs based on, for example, conditional play attributes. For example, a listing or promotion (or group of listings or promotions) may be designated for inclusion in the interactive display only on Fridays if the weather is cold outside and the local system has HBO in its channel line up. The display characteristics of a promotion or program listing may also be determined according to the promotional philosophy. For example, a promotion or program listing may be displayed first in an interactive display before other types of program listings or promotions for programs (e.g., sitcoms). If desired, the application may monitor user actions to determine if a given promotional philosophy results in desirable video-on-demand program selection.

0011The indicators of video-on-demand offerings and corresponding promotional philosophies may be based on, for example, what data the interactive application requests, detectable environmental situations, or what is provided by the video-on-demand system. Some examples of environmentally detectable situations include: the specific clip played in relation to a title selected by a user, the channel line up provided to the user, the weather, local channels, promotional media available, and specific customer behaviors or profiles (e.g., whether the user subscribes to adult or children's programming). In these examples, the promotional philosophies may be designed using alternates, playability levels, and keywords as described, for example in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999.

0012User selections of indicators or other user activity may be analyzed to determine whether the promotional philosophy of the interactive display facilitates a desirable result (e.g., purchases of particular video-on-demand programming), or whether the promotional philosophy needs to be modified. Interactive program guide systems in which user usage of advertisements is monitored are described, for example, in Thomas et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/139,798, filed Aug. 25, 1998, which is hereby incorporate by reference herein in its entirety. The interactive display may be updated to display only the promotions or programs that a user is most interested in viewing, or that the video-on-demand system or interactive application provider desires to present to the user (which may be based on, for example, particular environmental situations and user demographics).

0013The interactive display may be based on templates that are modified for each user based on, for example, the individual user's profile, the hardware on which the interactive display is displayed (e.g., the configuration of the user's set-top box), or other user specific information. Thus, the interactive display may look different for each user, but is derived from the same basic template that has been provided according to the chosen selection algorithm, such as a promotional philosophy algorithm. The user's profile may include, for example information suitable to select indicators in a way that personalizes the interactive display to the user in accordance with the selection algorithm. For example, a playability level may include user preferences. User preferences may be generated or obtained using any suitable scheme for monitoring user behavior and targeting the user with indicators for appropriate content. In another suitable approach, the user may define a preference profile that is used for indicator selection.

0014In another suitable approach, the system may maintain a record that includes environmentally detectable situations and specifics of resulting interactive display. This may be combined with the actual behavior of the user to form a log that is available to a master processing system. The record may be maintained on a disc drive in the system and may be available to the master processing system via suitable transmission media. The system may analyze this record and may correct the promotional philosophy. The system may, for example, modify the promotional philosophy based on desirable or undesirable results from a recorded log. Systems in which promotional philosophy algorithms are automatically updated are described, for example, in Lumley et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/227,401, filed Jan. 8, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0015Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>e </i>are schematic block diagrams of illustrative arrangements for the interactive application equipment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic block diagram of the user television equipment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>d </i>in accordance with the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a more generalized schematic block diagram of the user television equipment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in accordance with the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an illustrative dataflow diagram for analyzing a selection log to determine if indicators are being selected optimally in accordance with the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-9</figref> are illustrative interactive displays in accordance with the present invention; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> are flow charts of illustrative steps involved in providing indicators of video-on-demand programming in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0023An illustrative system <b>10</b> in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Main facility <b>12</b> may provide application data, such as program guide data, from data source <b>14</b> to interactive application equipment <b>17</b> via communications link <b>18</b>. There may be multiple data sources but only one has been shown to avoid over complicating the drawing. If desired, data sources may be located at facilities separate from main facility <b>12</b>, such as at local information services <b>15</b>, and may have their data provided to main facility <b>12</b> for localization and distribution. Data sources <b>14</b> may be any suitable computer or computer based system for obtaining data (e.g., manually from an operator, electronically via a computer network or other connection, or via storage media) and providing the data in electronic form for distribution by main facility <b>12</b>. Data sources <b>14</b> may also receive promotional material for distribution to interactive application equipment <b>17</b>. Link <b>18</b> may be a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications link. Video signals may also be transmitted over link <b>18</b> if desired.

0024Local information service <b>15</b> may be any facility suitable for obtaining data particular to a localized region and providing the data to main facility <b>12</b> over communications link <b>141</b>. Local information service <b>15</b> may be, for example, a local weather station that measures weather data, a local newspaper that obtains local high school and college sporting information, or any other suitable provider of information. Local information service <b>15</b> may be a local business with a computer for providing main facility <b>12</b> with, for example, local ski reports, fishing conditions, menus, etc., or any other suitable provider of information. Link <b>141</b> may be a satellite link, a telephone network link; a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications link.

0025Local information service <b>15</b> may include environmental detector <b>41</b>. Environmental detector <b>41</b> may be equipment suitable for detecting local environmental conditions and providing them to main facility <b>12</b> for inclusion in the application data. For example, the local temperature may be supplied by local information service <b>15</b> as part of local weather data. Environmental detector <b>41</b> may, for example, have a digital thermometer connected to the input-output port of a suitable computer and provide detectable environmental situation information (e.g., temperature data) to a communications device for transmission to main facility <b>12</b>. Environmental detector <b>41</b> may be any other device suitable for detecting environmental situations, such as a barometer, windspeed measuring device, or other suitable device, that is capable of supplying detectable environmental information to main facility <b>12</b>.

0026The application data transmitted by main facility <b>12</b> to interactive application equipment <b>17</b> may include any data suitable for the chosen interactive application. For an interactive program guide, for example, the application data may include television programming data (e.g., program identifiers, times, channels, titles, and descriptions) and other data for services other than television program listings (e.g., help text, pay-per-view information, weather information, sports information, music channel information, associated Internet web links, associated software, etc.). There are preferably numerous pieces or installations of interactive application equipment <b>17</b>, although only one is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to avoid over-complicating the drawing. The application data may also include data defining the rules of the promotional selection algorithm, such as, for example, promotional philosophy templates. Promotional philosophy templates are described, for example, in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999. If desired, promotional material for video-on-demand offerings may also be provided by main facility <b>12</b> using, for example, a store-and-forward approach as described in the same application. The promotional material may include any suitable text, graphics, animation, video, audio, or other multimedia.

0027Application data may be transmitted by main facility <b>12</b> to interactive application equipment <b>17</b> using any suitable approach. Data files may, for example, be encapsulated as objects and transmitted using a suitable Internet based addressing scheme and protocol stack (e.g., a stack which uses the user datagram protocol (UDP) and Internet protocol (IP)). Systems in which program guide data is transmitted from a main facility to television distribution facilities as objects are described, for example, in Gollahon et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,624, filed Jun. 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0028Main facility <b>12</b> may include log analyzer <b>31</b>. Log analyzer <b>31</b> may include any suitable storage, processing, and communications circuitry or devices for monitoring the indicator selection process or other processes carried out by interactive application equipment <b>17</b>. Interactive application equipment <b>17</b> may provide a selection log to main facility <b>12</b>. The selection log may list the actual indications (e.g., promotions, listings, etc.) that are included by the interactive application within the interactive display. Logging the indicators that are actually displayed may be useful when, for example, indicators are selected for display but are unavailable during screen generation. This may occur when, for example, indicators are received corrupted such as when link <b>18</b> is very noisy. In another suitable approach, the selection log may log what is selected, or a combination of these approaches may be used. Log analyzer <b>31</b> may also monitor changes to the selection log over communications link <b>18</b> or another communications link to observe the selecting of indicators at about the same time they are selected. The selection log may be used by log analyzer <b>31</b> to modify the promotional philosophy used by interactive application equipment <b>17</b> in order to maximize the probability of achieving the desired results for the system, or to test how changes to a promotional philosophy might affect indicator selection.

0029Interactive application equipment <b>17</b> may include indicator selector <b>44</b>, log system <b>43</b>, and environmental detector <b>41</b>. Indicator selector <b>44</b> may be any combination of hardware and software suitable for generating a playlist, set, database, or other data structure that either indicates or includes indicators of video-on-demand selections for presentation in the interactive display according to the chosen selection algorithm. The indicator list may be, for example, a playlist of video-on-demand promotions chosen according to a promotional philosophy as described, for example, in above-mentioned Kern et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/332,448, filed Jun. 11, 1999. The indicator list may be, for example, a set, database or other data structure of program listings for video-on-demand program listings that are incorporated into the interactive display. In still another suitable approach, the indicator list may be generated in real time; that is, indicator selector <b>44</b> may select indicators for presentation and immediately display them without first creating a list. Indicator selector <b>44</b> may be, for example, a process running on a computer acting as an application server, a process running on a set-top box, or any other suitable combination of hardware and software.

0030Log generator <b>43</b> may be any combination of hardware and software suitable for generating a list or other data structure of the indicators that are actually presented by the interactive application in the interactive display. Log generator may be for example, a process running on a computer acting as an application server, a process running on a set-top box, or any other suitable combination of hardware and software.

0031Indicator selector <b>44</b> may use data regarding local environmental conditions when determining if a particular indicator meets a particular selection algorithm. For example, whether a particular video-on-demand offering is promoted or included in a list of listings may depend on the local temperature. The local temperature may be supplied by main facility <b>12</b> as part of local weather data contained in the data stream, or may be supplied by a local operator or device responsible for supplying local environmental information, such as environmental detector <b>41</b>. Environmental detector <b>41</b> may, for example, have a digital thermometer connected to the input-output port of a suitable computer and provide detectable environmental situation information (e.g., temperature data) to indicator selector <b>44</b>. Environmental detector <b>41</b> may be any other device suitable for detecting environmental situations, such as a barometer, windspeed measuring device, or other suitable device, that is capable of supplying detectable environmental situation information to indicator selector <b>44</b> for use in detecting if an environmentally detectable situation parameter has been met.

0032Indicator selector <b>44</b> may use user preference profiles to personalize the interactive display to a particular used. The profiles may be modified for each user based on, for example, the individual user's profile, the hardware on which the interactive display is displayed (e.g., the configuration of the user's set-top box), or other user specific information. Thus, the interactive display may look different for each user, but is derived from the same basic template that has been provided according to the chosen selection algorithm, such as a promotional philosophy algorithm. The user's profile may include, for example information suitable to select indicators in a way that personalizes the interactive display to the user in accordance with the selection algorithm. For example, a playability level may include user preferences. User preferences may be generated or obtained using any suitable scheme for monitoring user behavior and targeting the user with indicators for appropriate content. In another suitable approach, the user may define a preference profile that is used for indicator selection.

0033An interactive application is implemented on interactive application equipment <b>17</b>. The interactive application may be any application suitable for providing users with the interactive display. The application may be, for example, an interactive television program guide, search engine, or any other suitable application. For purposes of clarity and not by way of limitation, the following discussion will describe the invention implemented as an illustrative interactive television program guide implemented on interactive application equipment <b>17</b>. Five illustrative arrangements for interactive application equipment <b>17</b> are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>e</i>. As shown, interactive application equipment <b>17</b> may include one or more of distribution equipment <b>21</b>, located at distribution facility <b>16</b>, and user television equipment <b>22</b> or personal computer <b>23</b>.

0034To avoid over-complicating <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>e</i>, indicator selector <b>44</b>, environmental detector <b>41</b>, and log generator <b>43</b> have been shown generally in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and are not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>e</i>. Indicator selector <b>44</b>, environmental detector <b>41</b>, and log generator <b>43</b> may be included in distribution facility <b>16</b> if desired as one or more separate systems, or one or more of their functionalities may be incorporated into any suitable component shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>e</i>. For example, the functionalities of one or more of indicator list generator <b>44</b>, environmental detector <b>41</b>, or log generator <b>43</b> may reside in or be integrated with distribution equipment <b>21</b>, application guide server <b>25</b>, Internet service system <b>61</b>, application server <b>25</b>, or user television equipment <b>22</b>. When incorporated into user television equipment <b>22</b>, user television equipment <b>22</b> may be configured to communicate information, such as environmental conditions or indicator logs, back to distribution facility <b>16</b> or main facility <b>12</b>.

0035The interactive television program guide (or other interactive application) may run totally on user television equipment <b>22</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a </i>and <b>2</b><i>c</i>, or may run partially on user television equipment <b>22</b> and partially on interactive application equipment <b>17</b> using a suitable client-server or distributed processing approach as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>b </i>and <b>2</b><i>d</i>. Distribution facility <b>16</b> may be any suitable distribution facility (e.g., a cable system headend, a broadcast distribution facility, a satellite television distribution facility, an Internet site, or any other suitable type of television distribution facility). Distribution facility <b>16</b> may have distribution equipment <b>21</b>.

0036Distribution equipment <b>21</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>, <b>2</b><i>b</i>, <b>2</b><i>c</i>, and <b>2</b><i>d </i>may be any equipment suitable for providing application data to user television equipment <b>22</b> over communications path <b>20</b>. Distribution equipment <b>21</b> may include, for example, suitable transmission hardware for distributing application data on a television channel sideband, in the vertical blanking interval of a television channel, using an in-band digital signal (e.g., MPEG tables), using an out-of-band digital signal, using Internet streaming techniques or by any other suitable data transmission technique. Analog or digital video signals (e.g., television programs, pay-per-view programs, video-on-demand programs, etc.) may also be distributed by distribution equipment <b>21</b> to user television equipment <b>22</b> over communications paths <b>20</b> on multiple television channels.

0037Communications paths <b>20</b> may be any communications paths suitable for distributing application data and, if desired, video signals. Communications paths <b>20</b> may include, for example, a satellite link, a telephone network link, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, an Internet link, a data-over-cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) link, a digital subscriber line (DSC) link, a combination of such links, or any other suitable communications link. Communications paths <b>20</b> preferably have sufficient bandwidth to allow distribution facility <b>16</b> to distribute television programming to user television equipment <b>22</b>. There are typically multiple pieces of user television equipment <b>22</b> and multiple associated communications paths <b>20</b>, although only one piece of user television equipment <b>22</b> and communications path <b>20</b> are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>d </i>to avoid over complicating the drawings. If desired, television programming may be provided over separate communications paths (not shown).

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>b </i>shows an illustrative arrangement for interactive application equipment <b>17</b> in a client-server based or distributed interactive program guide system. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>b</i>, distribution equipment <b>21</b> may include application server <b>25</b>. Application server <b>25</b> may be any suitable software, hardware, or combination thereof for providing a client-server based application such as a program guide. Application server <b>25</b> may, for example, run a suitable database engine (e.g., SQL Server by Microsoft) and provide program guide data in response to queries generated by a program guide client implemented on user television equipment <b>22</b>. If desired, application server <b>25</b> may be located at main facility <b>12</b> (not shown).

0039Application server <b>25</b> may be based on any suitable combination of server software and hardware. Application server <b>25</b> may retrieve application data such as program guide data, promotion files, or any suitable combination thereof from storage device <b>56</b> in response to requests for program guide or promotional material generated by an interactive application client implemented on user television equipment <b>22</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a </i>and <b>2</b><i>b</i>, application server <b>25</b> may include processing circuitry <b>54</b> and storage device <b>56</b>. Processing circuitry <b>54</b> may include any suitable processor, such as a microprocessor or group of microprocessors, and other processing circuitry such as caching circuitry, video decoding circuitry, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, input/output (I/O) circuitry, etc.

0040Storage device <b>56</b> may be a memory or other storage device, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, etc., that is suitable for storing application data and, if desired, promotional material. User data, such as user preference profiles (whether generated by the system or defined by the user), parental control settings, record and reminder settings, viewing histories, the configuration of the user's equipment and other suitable data may also be stored on storage device <b>56</b> by application server <b>25</b>. Program guide data and user data may be stored on storage device <b>56</b> in any suitable format (e.g., a Structured Query Language (SQL) database). User data may be used by indicator list generator <b>44</b> to select indicators for the interactive display. If desired, storage device <b>56</b> may also store video-on-demand programs for playing back on demand.

0041Processing circuitry <b>54</b> may process requests for application data by searching the application data stored on storage device <b>56</b> for the requested data, retrieving the data, and providing the retrieved data to distribution equipment <b>21</b> for distribution to user television equipment <b>22</b>. Processing circuitry <b>54</b> may also process storage requests generated by the application client that direct application server <b>25</b> to store user data. Alternatively, application server <b>25</b> may distribute application data to and receive user data from user television equipment <b>22</b> directly. If communications paths <b>20</b> include an Internet link, DOCSIS link, or other high speed computer network link (e.g., 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 10BaseF, T1, T3, etc.), for example, processing circuitry <b>54</b> may include circuitry suitable for transmitting application and user data and receiving application data and storage requests over such a link.

0042Application server <b>25</b> may communicate with user television equipment <b>22</b> using any suitable communications protocol. For example, application server <b>25</b> may use a communications protocol stack that includes transmission control protocol (TCP) and Internet protocol (IP) layers, sequenced packet exchange (SPX) and internetwork packet exchange (IPX) layers, Appletalk transaction protocol (ATP) and datagram delivery protocol (DDP) layers, DOCSIS, or any other suitable protocol or combination of protocols. User television equipment <b>22</b> may also include suitable hardware for communicating with application server <b>25</b> over communications paths <b>20</b> (e.g., Ethernet cards, modems (digital, analog, or cable), etc.)

0043The program guide client on user television equipment <b>22</b> may retrieve program guide data from and store user data on application server <b>25</b> using any suitable client-server based approach. The program guide may, for example, pass SQL requests as messages to application server <b>25</b>. In another suitable approach, the program guide may invoke remote procedures that reside on application server <b>25</b> using one or more remote procedure calls. Application server <b>25</b> may execute SQL statements for such invoked remote procedures. In still another suitable approach, client objects executed by the program guide may communicate with server objects executed by application server <b>25</b> using, for example, an object request broker (ORB). This may involve using, for example, Microsoft's Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) approach. As used herein, “record requests” and “storage requests” are intended to encompass any of these types of inter-process or inter-object communications, or any other suitable type of inter-process or inter-object communication.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>c </i>and <b>2</b><i>d </i>show illustrative Internet-based systems. Distribution facility <b>16</b> may, for example, include Internet service system <b>61</b>. Internet service system <b>61</b> may use any suitable combination of hardware and software capable of providing program guide data to the guide using an Internet based approach (e.g., the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)).

0045If the program guide is implemented on user television equipment <b>22</b> of interactive application equipment <b>17</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>c</i>, Internet service system <b>61</b> (or other suitable equipment at distribution facility <b>16</b> that is connected to Internet service system <b>61</b>) may provide program guide data to user television equipment <b>22</b> via the Internet, or via application distribution equipment <b>21</b> using any suitable Internet-based approach (e.g., using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) type link). If the program guide implemented on interactive application equipment <b>17</b> is a client-server guide as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>d</i>, for example, application server <b>25</b> may obtain program guide data from Internet service system <b>61</b>. In another suitable approach, the program guide may obtain program guide data from Internet service system <b>61</b> via an Internet connection.

0046In still another embodiment, distribution equipment <b>21</b> may include suitable hardware (not shown) on which a first portion or version of the interactive television program guide is implemented. A second portion or version of the program guide may be implemented on user television equipment <b>22</b>. The two versions or portions of the interactive program guide may communicate using any suitable peer-to-peer communications scheme (e.g., messaging, remote procedure calls, etc.) and perform interactive program guide functions distributively between television distribution facility <b>16</b> and user television equipment <b>22</b>.

0047Another suitable arrangement for interactive application equipment <b>17</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref><i>e</i>. Interactive application equipment <b>17</b> may include, for example, distribution facility <b>16</b> having application server <b>25</b> and Internet service system <b>61</b>. A program guide client application (or other client application) may run on personal computer <b>23</b>. The client may access application server <b>25</b> via Internet service system <b>61</b> and communications path <b>20</b>. Personal computer <b>23</b> may include processing circuitry <b>27</b>, memory <b>29</b>, storage device <b>31</b>, communications device <b>35</b>, and monitor <b>39</b>.

0048Processing circuitry <b>27</b> may include any suitable processor, such as a microprocessor or group of microprocessors, and other processing circuitry such as caching circuitry, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, input/output (I/O) circuitry, etc. Processing circuitry <b>27</b> may also include suitable circuitry for displaying television programming. Personal computer <b>23</b> may include, for example, a PC/TV card. Memory <b>29</b> may be any suitable memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM), that is suitable for storing the computer instructions and data. Storage device <b>31</b> may be any suitable storage device, such as a hard disk, floppy disk drive, flash RAM card, recordable CD-ROM drive, or any other suitable storage device. Communications device <b>35</b> may be any suitable communications device, such as a conventional analog modem or cable modem.

0049An illustrative arrangement for user television equipment <b>22</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a</i>-<b>2</b><i>d </i>is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. User television equipment <b>22</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> receives video or a digital video stream and data from distribution facility <b>16</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) at input <b>26</b>. During normal television viewing, a user tunes set-top box <b>28</b> to a desired television channel. The signal for that television channel is then provided at video output <b>30</b>. The signal supplied at output <b>30</b> is typically either a radio-frequency (RF) signal on a predefined channel (e.g., channel 3 or 4), or a analog demodulated video signal, but may also be a digital signal provided to television <b>36</b> on an appropriate digital bus (e.g., a bus using the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard, (not shown)). The video signal at output <b>30</b> is received by optional secondary storage device <b>32</b>.

0050The interactive television program guide (or other application) may run on set-top box <b>28</b>, on television <b>36</b> (if television <b>36</b> has suitable processing circuitry and memory), on a suitable analog or digital receiver connected to television <b>36</b>, or on digital storage device <b>31</b> if digital storage device <b>31</b> has suitable processing circuitry and memory. The interactive television program guide may also run cooperatively on a suitable combination of these devices. Interactive television program guide systems in which a cooperative interactive television program guide runs on multiple devices are described, for example, in Ellis U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/186,598, filed Nov. 5, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0051Secondary storage device <b>32</b> can be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device or player (e.g., a videocassette recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, etc.). Program recording and other features may be controlled by set-top box <b>28</b> using control path <b>34</b>. If secondary storage device <b>32</b> is a videocassette recorder, for example, a typical control path <b>34</b> involves the use of an infrared transmitter coupled to the infrared receiver in the videocassette recorder that normally accepts commands from a remote control such as remote control <b>40</b>. Remote control <b>40</b> may be used to control set-top box <b>28</b>, secondary storage device <b>32</b>, and television <b>36</b>.

0052If desired, a user may record programs, program guide data, or a combination thereof in digital form on optional digital storage device <b>31</b>. Digital storage device <b>31</b> may be a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device. Interactive television program guide systems that have digital storage devices are described, for example, in Hassell et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/157,256, filed Sep. 17, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

0053Digital storage device <b>31</b> can be contained in set-top box <b>28</b> or it can be an external device connected to set-top box <b>28</b> via an output port and appropriate interface. If necessary, processing circuitry in set-top box <b>28</b> formats the received video, audio and data signals into a digital file format. Preferably, the file format is an open file format such as the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) MPEG-2 standard or the Moving Joint Photographic Experts Group (MJPEG) standard. The resulting data is streamed to digital storage device <b>31</b> via an appropriate bus (e.g., a bus using the Institute Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 standard), and is stored on digital storage device <b>31</b>. In another suitable approach, an MPEG-2 data stream or series of files may be received from distribution equipment <b>21</b> and stored.

0054Television <b>36</b> receives video signals from secondary storage device <b>32</b> via communications path <b>38</b>. The video signals on communications path <b>38</b> may either be generated by secondary storage device <b>32</b> when playing back a prerecorded storage medium (e.g., a videocassette or a recordable digital video disc), by digital storage device <b>31</b> when playing back a prerecorded digital medium, may be passed through from set-top box <b>28</b>, may be provided directly to television <b>36</b> from set-top box <b>28</b> if secondary storage device <b>32</b> is not included in user television equipment <b>22</b>, or may be received directly by television <b>36</b>. During normal television viewing, the video signals provided to television <b>36</b> correspond to the desired channel to which a user has tuned with set-top box <b>28</b>. Video signals may also be provided to television <b>36</b> by set-top box <b>28</b> when set-top box <b>28</b> used to play back information stored on digital storage device <b>31</b>.

0055Set-top box <b>28</b> may have memory <b>44</b>. Memory <b>44</b> may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing program guide instructions and program guide data for use by the program guide.

0056Set-top box <b>28</b> may have communications device <b>37</b> for communicating directly with application server <b>25</b> or Internet service system <b>61</b> over communications path <b>20</b>. Communications device <b>37</b> may be a modem (e.g., any suitable analog or digital standard, cellular, or cable modem), network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or other suitable communications device. Television <b>36</b> may also have such a suitable communications device if desired. In another suitable approach, user television equipment <b>22</b> may communicate with Internet service system <b>61</b> via distribution equipment <b>21</b> using a suitable return path.

0057A more generalized embodiment of user television equipment <b>22</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, program guide data from distribution facility <b>16</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) is received by control circuitry <b>42</b> of user television equipment <b>22</b>. The functions of control circuitry <b>42</b> may be provided using the set-top box arrangement of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2</figref><i>a </i>and <b>2</b><i>b</i>. Alternatively, these functions may be integrated into an advanced television receiver, personal computer television (PC/TV), or any other suitable arrangement. If desired, a combination of such arrangements may be used.

0058User television equipment <b>22</b> may also have secondary storage device <b>47</b> and digital storage device <b>49</b> for recording programming. Secondary storage device <b>47</b> can be any suitable type of analog or digital program storage device (e.g., a videocassette recorder, a digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.). Program recording and other features may be controlled by control circuitry <b>42</b>. Digital storage device <b>49</b> may be, for example, a writeable optical storage device (such as a DVD player capable of handling recordable DVD discs), a magnetic storage device (such as a disk drive or digital tape), or any other digital storage device.

0059User television equipment <b>22</b> may also have memory <b>63</b>. Memory <b>63</b> may be any memory or other storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a combination of such devices, etc., that is suitable for storing program guide instructions and program guide data for use by control circuitry <b>42</b>.

0060User television equipment <b>22</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> may also have communications device <b>51</b> for supporting communications between the program guide (or other application) and distribution equipment <b>21</b> or Internet service system <b>61</b> via communications path <b>20</b>. Communications device <b>51</b> may be a modem (e.g., any suitable analog or digital standard, cellular, or cable modem), network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card, Token ring card, etc.), or other suitable communications device.

0061Main facility <b>12</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may include log analyzer <b>31</b> as described above. Log analyzer <b>30</b> may make changes to a promotional selection algorithm if the algorithm does not provide for optimal selection of indicators of video-on-demand offerings. Updating promotional selection algorithms may be performed as described, for example, in above-mentioned Lumley et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/227,401, filed Jan. 9, 1999. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an illustrative dataflow diagram for analyzing a selection log to determine if indicators are being selected optimally. Log analyzer <b>31</b> may, for example, be programmed with desirable occurrences database <b>400</b> and undesirable occurrences database <b>410</b>. Desirable occurrences database <b>400</b> may include a number of rules that define desirable selections. Desirable occurrences database <b>400</b> may, for example, define as desirable having a large number of indicators for programs of a particular theme during a particular time slot, having certain indicators for programs in certain time slots for different time zones, having particular indicators sent to distribution facilities of a certain service configuration (e.g., providers of multiple video-on-demand channels as opposed to those with few), or any other suitable desirable occurrence.

0062Undesirable occurrences database <b>410</b> may include a number of rules that define undesirable selections. Undesirable occurrences database <b>410</b> may define as undesirable, for example, having the same indicator presented more than one time in a row or more than a number of times an hour, having indicators of a particular theme during a particular time slot (e.g., adult video-on-demand promotions at 3:00 p.m.), or any other undesirable occurrence.

0063Selection log analyzer engine <b>420</b> running on log analyzer <b>31</b> may compare the selection log <b>430</b> with desirable occurrences database <b>400</b> and undesirable occurrences database <b>410</b>. Selection log analyzer engine <b>420</b> may be any suitable process or application capable of, for example, comparing selection log <b>430</b>, desirable occurrences database <b>400</b>, and undesirable occurrences database <b>410</b>. Selection log analyzer engine <b>420</b> may make changes to the promotional selection algorithm to increase the likelihood of having desirable occurrences and to reduce the likelihood of having undesirable occurrences. The new promotional selection algorithm may be generated by selection log analyzer engine <b>420</b> and provided by data source <b>14</b> to interactive application equipment <b>17</b> for use by indicator selector <b>44</b> during indicator selection.

0064The selection log may also be used by main facility <b>12</b> to test planned changes for a promotional selection algorithm. Main facility <b>12</b> may have, for example, an indicator selector <b>44</b> and a log generator <b>43</b> to which indicators are supplied and selected according to a test promotional selection algorithm. The test promotional selection algorithm may, for example, be a modified version of the current algorithm used by indicator list generator <b>44</b> at the distribution facilities <b>16</b>, or it may be a totally new algorithm. The test selection log may be analyzed by log analyzer <b>31</b>, and the system may change the test promotional selection algorithm if indicators are not being presented optimally. This process may continue until the test promotional selection algorithm selects indicators as close to optimally as may be determined without running the promotional selection algorithm in the field.

0065The promotional selection algorithm already running on interactive application equipment <b>17</b> may be modified or may be replaced by the test promotional selection algorithm. Promotional selection algorithm testing may also be accomplished by running a test promotional selection algorithm on interactive application equipment <b>17</b> in addition to an already running promotional selection algorithm (e.g., as a separate process).

0066The interactive display generated by the program guide or other interactive application may include any suitable indicator of video-on-demand offerings and any other suitable content. Indicators of video-on-demand offerings may include, for example, promotions for video-on-demand offerings, program listings for video-on-demand offerings, or any other suitable indicator. The interactive display may include, for example, a browse display that provides a user with an opportunity to browse video-on-demand program listings while watching a television program. The interactive display may include, for example, a series of buttons or other selectable on-screen display elements that contain listings for video-on-demand program listings. In still another suitable approach, the interactive display may include a screening room that allows users to watch previews or clips of video-on-demand programs by selecting video-on-demand program listings. Indicators of video-on-demand offerings are included in the interactive display based on the promotional selection algorithm.

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows illustrative “BROWSE” overlay <b>230</b> that the program guide may display when a user opts to browse through program listings for a given time slot while watching a program. A user may browse through program listings by, for example, using remote control arrow keys. The BROWSE overlay allows a user to continue to watch a program on a particular channel (e.g., channel 2) while browsing for information on programs that are playing on other channels and at other times.

0068The program guide may provide a user with an opportunity to change time slots and channels in order to browse through additional program listings for video-on-demand programs according to the selection algorithm. Indicator list generator <b>44</b> may, for example, select program listings for video-on-demand programs before listings for regular channels. A user may indicate a desire to browse through additional program listings by, for example, pressing “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” arrows to access additional channels and time slots. After the user browses through listing for video-on-demand programs, the program guide may provide listings for non-video-on-demand programs.

0069Browse overlay <b>230</b> may also include selectable advertisements, such as selectable advertisements <b>221</b>. Selectable advertisements <b>221</b> may, for example, include text, graphics, video, audio, animations, or other multimedia advertising the video-on-demand programs or other television programs, channels, or products. When a user selects a selectable advertisement <b>221</b>, the program guide may display information (e.g., video-on-demand program information) or take other actions related to the content of the advertisement. Advertisements <b>221</b> may be included in browse overlay <b>230</b> according to the selection algorithm. If desired, different selection algorithms may be run for selecting indicators and for selecting promotions.

0070A main menu screen, such as illustrative main menu screen <b>100</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, may include menu <b>102</b> of selectable program guide features <b>106</b>. If desired, program guide features <b>106</b> may be organized according to feature type. In menu <b>102</b>, for example, program guide features <b>106</b> have been organized into three columns. The column labeled “TV GUIDE” is for listings related features, the column labeled “MSO SHOWCASE” is for multiple service organization (MSO) related features, and the column labeled “VIEWER SERVICES” is for viewer related features. The interactive television program guide may generate a display screen for a particular program guide feature when a user selects that feature from menu <b>102</b>.

0071Main menu screen <b>100</b> may include one or more selectable advertisements <b>108</b>. Selectable advertisements <b>108</b> may, for example, include text, graphics, video, audio, animations, or other multimedia advertising video-on-demand programs or other programs, channels, or products, based on the promotional selection algorithm. When a user selects a selectable advertisement <b>108</b>, the program guide may display information (e.g., video-on-demand program information) or take other actions related to the content of the advertisement. Pure text advertisements may be presented, if desired, as illustrated by selectable advertisement banner <b>110</b>. Advertisements <b>108</b> and <b>110</b> may be included in main menu screen <b>100</b> (or other screens) according to one or more promotional selection algorithms if desired.

0072Main menu screen <b>100</b> may also include other screen elements. The brand of the program guide product may be indicated, for example, using a product brand logo graphic such as product brand logo graphic <b>112</b>. The identity of the television service provider may be presented, for example, using a service provider logo graphic such as service provider logo graphic <b>114</b>. The logos may be included in the program guide data allowing for on-the-fly configurability of the display screens. The current time may be displayed in clock display region <b>116</b>. In addition, a suitable indicator such as indicator graphic <b>118</b> may be used to indicate to a user that mail from a cable operator or program guide provider is waiting for a user if the program guide supports messaging functions.

0073The interactive television program guide may provide a user with an opportunity to view video-on-demand program listings. A user may indicate a desire to view video-on-demand program listings by, for example, positioning highlight region <b>120</b> over a desired program guide feature <b>106</b>, such as “VOD Listings” feature <b>106</b>. Alternatively, the program guide may present video-on-demand program listings when a user presses a suitable key (e.g., a “guide” key) on remote control <b>40</b>. When a user indicates a desire to view video-on-demand program listings, the program guide generates an appropriate video-on-demand program listings screen for display on display device <b>45</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). A video-on-demand program listings screen may contain one or more groups or lists of video-on-demand program listings organized according to one or more organization criteria (e.g., by time, by program category, etc.).

0074The program guide may, for example, provide a user with an opportunity to view video-on-demand listings by time, according to a number of categories (e.g., movies, sports, children, etc.), or may allow a user to search for a listing by title. Video-on-demand program listings may be displayed using any suitable list, table, grid, or other suitable display arrangement. If desired, video-on-demand program listings screens may include selectable advertisements, product brand logo graphics, service provider brand graphics, clocks, or any other suitable indicator or graphic.

0075An illustrative video-on-demand by time program listings screen <b>130</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. Program listings screen <b>130</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> may include highlight region <b>151</b>, which highlights the current program listing <b>150</b>. A user may position highlight region <b>151</b> by entering appropriate commands with user interface <b>46</b>. For example, if user interface <b>46</b> has a keypad, a user can position highlight region <b>151</b> using “up” and “down” arrow keys on remote control <b>40</b>. A user may select a listing by, for example, pressing on the “OK” or “info” key on remote control <b>40</b>. Alternatively, a touch sensitive screen, trackball, voice recognition device, or other suitable device may be used to move highlight region <b>151</b> or to select program listings without the use of highlight region <b>151</b>. In still another approach, a user may speak a television program listing into a voice request recognition system. These methods of selecting program listings are merely illustrative. Any other suitable approach for selecting program listings may be used if desired.

0076A user may view additional video-on-demand listings for the time slot indicated in timebar <b>111</b> by, for example, pressing an “up” or “down” arrow, or a “page up” or “page down” key on remote control <b>40</b>. The user may also see listings for the next 24 hour period, or the last 24 hour period, by pressing a “day forward” or “day backward” key on remote control <b>40</b>, respectively. If there are no listings starting exactly 24 hours in the indicated direction, the program guide may pick programs starting at either closer or further than 24 hours away. If desired, the program guide may require a user to scroll through advertisement banner <b>110</b>. A user may view program listings for other time slots by, for example, pressing “right” and “left” arrows on remote control <b>40</b>, or by scrolling up or down until listings for the next time slot are displayed. Timebar <b>111</b> may change its display to the previous or next time slot accordingly.

0077As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the displayed indicators, in this example listings <b>150</b>, are not displayed in channel or source order because the listings are displayed according to a promotional selection algorithm which may cause indicator selector <b>44</b> to select listings from video-on-demand channels or sources in a way that presents the most desirable indicators (e.g., the indicators that satisfy primary playability levels of a promotional philosophy) before other indicators. If desired, the sources for the indicators may be generated in real time, and listings <b>150</b> labeled accordingly, so that the user is not aware that the listings are presented out of order.

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows another illustrative interactive display in which indicators of video-on-demand programming are displayed according to a promotional selection algorithm. Screening room <b>900</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> may provide users with an opportunity to preview one or more video-on-demand programs by, for example, selecting a listing <b>150</b>. The listings <b>150</b> are selected for presentation by indicator selector <b>44</b> according to the promotional selection algorithm. In this example, the promotional philosophy may require that only movies starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar are available for previewing. Video window <b>910</b> may display a clip of a movie or a trailer associated with a movie when the user selects a listing <b>150</b>. In another suitable approach, the display of video window <b>910</b> may be synchronized with the currently highlighted listings <b>150</b>; that is, as the user navigates within listings <b>150</b>, video window <b>810</b> may display a clip or preview associated with the currently highlighted listing.

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-11</figref> are flowcharts of illustrative steps involved in providing indicators of video-on-demand programs according to a promotional selection algorithm in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The steps shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-12</figref> are illustrative and may generally be performed in any suitable order. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in operating the system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Main facility <b>12</b> provides data on promotions for indicators to interactive application equipment <b>17</b> at step <b>1000</b>. At step <b>1010</b>, environmental situations, e.g., the weather, are detected and detectable environmental situation information is provided to indicator selector <b>44</b>.

0080At step <b>1020</b>, indicators are selected for display <b>1020</b> by indicator selector <b>44</b>. Indicators are selected for display according to the promotional selection algorithm, such as a promotional philosophy. The selected indicators are presented in the interactive display at step <b>1030</b>. The interactive display may be any suitable display such as, for example, a browse display, listings screen, screening room, or any other suitable interactive display.

0081Information on which indicators are selected or presented is stored by log generator <b>43</b> in a selection log at step <b>1040</b>. At step <b>1050</b>, the selection log may be provided to main facility <b>12</b> for analysis. The selection log may be provided to main facility <b>12</b> using any suitable transmission method (e.g., telephone dial-up, very small aperture transmission (VSAT), portable storage media, etc.). The selection log may be analyzed by log analyzer <b>31</b> to determine if indicators are being optimally selected or presented (step <b>1060</b>). For example, the selection log may be compared with a desirable occurrences and an undesirable occurrences database. If desired, the promotional selection algorithm can be changed to increase the likelihood of desirable occurrences and to decrease the likelihood of undesirable occurrences (step <b>1070</b>). At step <b>1080</b>, the changed promotional selection algorithm may be provided to interactive application equipment <b>17</b>.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in testing a promotional selection algorithm in accordance with the present invention. Testing of a promotional selection algorithm may be desirable when changes to the promotional selection algorithm are proposed and it is desirable to see how the new promotional selection algorithm will affect the selection of indicators for the interactive display. At step <b>1100</b>, a promotional selection algorithm is tested using the selection log to determine if the system will select indicators optimally. This may be accomplished, for example, by comparing the selection log with a desirable occurrence database and an undesirable occurrences database. The testing may be performed at the main facility or other interested testing facility, or by monitoring a separate process running on interactive application equipment <b>17</b>. System testing information (e.g., the types or number of desirable and undesirable occurrences that occur) may be generated at step <b>1110</b>. If the promotional selection algorithm as tested is desirable, changes to the existing promotional selection algorithm are made accordingly at step <b>144</b>. The existing promotional selection algorithm may be replaced by the test promotional selection algorithm.

0083Thus, an interactive display having indicators of video-on-demand programs selected according to a promotional selection algorithm is provided. The principles of the present invention may be applied to any suitable system in which any type of information or programming, whether data, audio, video, test or graphic, and whether analog or digital, is provided on demand. For example, the principles of the present invention may be used in an audio-on-demand system. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.